MICRODISCECTOMY FOR LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION

Microscopical lumbar discectomy is nowadays a very common neurosurgica l procedure. The technique has been introduced more than 15 years ago. For the present study a series of 100 consecutive patients, operated upon by one surgeon and with a follow-up period of at least 1 year, wa s reviewed. The importance of a clean surgical indication is stressed. At the latest follow-up examination 3 patients still complained of mo derately intense sciatica and 1 of backache of an invalidating degree. Four patients needed a second operation for a recurrent herniation at the same or another level. Eventually, 96 patients were able to resum e their previous, if available, professional activities.